That premise, June 26 -- When Batman is murdered in DC's first-ever anime series, the Joker does not celebrate. He investigates.

the Clown Prince of Crime turned reluctant detective - is the central tension of "Joker: Laugh Riot," the most unexpected announcement from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation's debut joint showcase at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. It is a show built on the proposition that the Joker's entire identity was always a reflection of the man he was constructed to oppose. With Batman gone, what is a Joker?

The Annecy showcase marked the first time DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation have appeared together at the annual French animation festival, and the choice of venue was itself a statement. S...